The EIU view

The administration of new party, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, is expected to remain in power in 2019-20. The hydropower sector will continue to be the key driver of economic growth, which is expected to average 7.4% in 2019-20. Ties to the outside world will remain minimal, with the exception of India. Relations with China will remain complicated in the forecast period, owing to unresolved border disputes and that country's ramping-up of construction activity close to the border.

There are four main language groups and 18 dialects. The national language, Dzongkha, is spoken in the western part of the country, Bumthang-kha in the centre, Sharchop-kha in the east and Nepali in the south. English is the main language in use in schools and is widely used, especially by the urban population

MEASURES:

Metric system

CURRENCY:

Ngultrum = 100 cheltrum. The ngultrum is pegged at parity to the Indian rupee. Average exchange rate in 2016: Nu67.2:US$1

TIME:

6 hours ahead of GMT

FISCAL YEAR:

July 1st-June 30th

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

January 17th (Traditional Day of Offering); February 16th-17th (New Year); February 21st-23rd (birthday of the fifth king); April 25th (Shabdrung Kuchoe); May 2nd (birthday of the third king); May 29th (BuddhaˇŻs Parinivana); June 23rd (birthday of Guru Rinpoche); July 16th (anniversary of the first sermon of Buddha); October 19th (Dashain); November 1st (Coronation Day of the fifth king); November 11th (birthday of the fourth king); December 17th (National Day)